When word first got out that Hobo Day 2020 will take place Oct. 31, there was a sense of elation. Then reality set in: it’s the same day as Halloween.

We at The Collegian thought that the fact that Hobo Day landing on Halloween would be a great time. Being a spooky hobo seemed fun.

But then we thought of the kids.

We remember the excitement of dressing up and being able to go door-to-door for candy. Our concern is that Hobo Day go-ers and the festivities will scare away families from bringing their kids trick-or-treating.

Another issue is that late in October, it will almost surely be cold, which will damper the Hobo Day celebrations without a doubt.

The 2020 Jackrabbit football schedule doesn’t do any favors for the date of Hobo Day. There are two games played at home in October. One is against the University of South Dakota on Oct. 10. The other — Oct. 31.

In September, the Jackrabbits play two home games. They open the season Sept. 5 against the Butler Bulldogs, and then play host Sept. 26 to Indiana State.

It’s important to note that the university doesn’t set the football schedule. This isn’t the fault of the Hobo Day Committee or administration.

Having Hobo Day fall on the same day when the rival Coyotes come to town would be hectic. There’s been a recent push to have Hobo Day and Dakota Days on the same weekend — this would all but erase those efforts.

Dakota Days will take place on Oct. 3, when Western Illinois visits Vermillion for a Missouri Valley Football Conference showdown. On that day, South Dakota State will travel north to take on North Dakota in Grand Forks.

That day, almost certainly, there will be a number of Jackrabbits dressed in red and white.

With all this said, we can’t move Halloween and we almost certainly can’t put Hobo Day on Oct. 10 for the USD game.

Vice President of Student Affairs Michaela Willis addressed Students’ Association at the Oct. 7 meeting.

“Regardless, there will be a home football game on Oct. 31,” Dr. Willis said.

She’s right, and frankly, there aren’t too many other options that can be explored.

The Collegian Editorial Board meets weekly and agrees on the issue of the editorial. The editorial represents the opinion of The Collegian.